Developer Douglas Jemal, a 'riverboat gambler,' bets big on Buffalo 'I like difficult projects. I love to take things and put them back together again and make a big difference, and I had the opportunity to do that in Buffalo.' Author: Michael Wooten Updated: 11:29 PM EDT April 1, 2021 BUFFALO, N.Y. — Born in Brooklyn, Douglas Jemal made his mark as a developer in Washington, D.C., so many Western New Yorkers wonder why he's investing so much of his time, energy and money in Buffalo. "When I came to Buffalo strictly by accident, spent the night here, got to meet some people over here, it just felt right," Jemal told 2 On Your Side's Michael Wooten in a lengthy interview in the lobby of Seneca One, the 38-story tower that Jemal purchased several years ago.